Stablecoin-powered card to unlock the economy for Africa’s unbanked

Lipaworld has launched a new stablecoin-powered payment card that allows Africans without traditional bank accounts to transact anywhere Visa cards are accepted, either virtually or in-store. This aims to close a longstanding financial access gap where millions of informal workers, gig workers and migrants are locked out due to high fees, paperwork and outdated banking requirements.

The card allows users to spend stablecoins – digital currencies pegged to real-world assets like the US dollar – at any point-of-sale system that accepts traditional card payments. Significantly, no bank account is required. This means users can now transact, receive payments and participate in the digital economy using stable digital value rather than being dependent on legacy systems.

“Most so-called ‘financial inclusion’ efforts still expect people to fit into systems that exclude them by design,” says Jonathan Katende, founder of Lipaworld. “Our focus is to create a user experience that works in people’s real lives, specifically where they earn, trade and spend.”

Bridging the real-world access gap

The launch of the Lipaworld stablecoin card directly addresses the challenge of adopting digital currency i.e., real-world usability. Although stablecoins are increasingly used across Africa for remittances and low-cost cross-border payments, many people still encounter difficulties spending them at card-accepting merchants, particularly for informal or cash-based customers who wish to transact online and pay for subscriptions.

This card bridges the gap by integrating with existing card networks, eliminating the need for intermediaries or traditional bank-issued accounts. It turns stable digital value into spendable cash-equivalent value – instantly, securely and without waiting periods or high conversion costs.

This is where Lipaworld’s stablecoin card comes in.

Built on proven demand

In 2024, stablecoins accounted for nearly 43% of crypto transaction volume across sub-Saharan Africa. Many of those transactions were driven by practical needs such as paying school fees, utilities, transport and daily essentials.

Lipaworld’s existing voucher platform already enables stablecoin use for electricity purchases, mobile top-ups and cross-border transfers. The new card expands that ecosystem into full-spectrum spending.

“Many consumers are already using stablecoins today. This makes it usable in more places and for more people.”

An inclusion-first model for the digital age

Lipaworld’s stablecoin neobank platform is built on a ‘no-bank, no problem’ principle. With regulatory-compliant stablecoins pegged to the dollar and backed 1:1 by verifiable reserves, users retain the full value without worrying about market volatility or needing banking access.

As governments and central banks begin crafting national digital asset regulations and Central Bank Digital Currency policies, Lipaworld’s launch signals what user-centred digital currency innovation can look like in practice.

“Financial infrastructure must move beyond access to actual empowerment. That means dignity, control, speed and the ability to transact without asking permission,” says Katende.

The card is currently in its beta phase and will be accessible through the Lipaworld app to select users on the waiting list. Join the waiting list here.